In its report, Variety notes that "no front-runner has emerged." Meanwhile, the character that will be portrayed by the chosen actor is a new assassin with a background similar to Matt Damon's Bourne's. The site additionally says production is scheduled to begin this spring, but Deadline mentions fall start date for the fourth "Bourne" film.

Gilroy is brought in to direct "Bourne Legacy" after Paul Greengrass parted ways with the hit franchise. Gilroy wrote the script for the previous three "Bourne" films and will also provide the screenplay for the next installment. Universal Pictures has set August 3, 2012 as a release date for the movie.

The filmmaker has said the upcoming project will not be "a reboot or a recast or a prequel." He explained, "Jason Bourne will not be in this film, but he's very much alive. What happened in the first three films is the trigger for what happens. I'm building a legend and an environment and a wider conspiracy."